Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Established at the height of the economic downturn, Neighbors Helping Neighbors promotes parish-based local initiatives for brother Knights to direct their generosity toward their neighbors in financial need. The program arose when the Knights of Columbus sponsored in February 2009 a summit attended by representatives from many of the nation’s largest volunteer organizations.

Following the summit, the Food for Families program was launched to ensure that families have adequate access to nutritious food. Although the economy may have improved in some areas, many families still need food assistance. In fact, some councils have seen families who previously donated to food pantries more recently come to the same pantries to receive donations.

In 2016, Knights collected more than 3 million pounds of food and almost $1.6 million in donations for soup kitchens and other food programs.

Like Food for Families, the Coats for Kids program has expanded significantly. Since the start of the program in 2009, more than 394,000 coats have been distributed in 49 states and all 10 Canadian provinces. Last year alone, the Knights of Columbus distributed coats to 88,062 children throughout the U.S. and Canada, including events at military bases, in Native American communities, at inner-city neighborhoods and through partnerships with local police and fire departments.

For questions regarding a donation, please contact us at 800-694-5713 Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. EST, or email info@kofccharities.org.